The Bell Traverse

Not the end of the world Sabine, there was a tin or two and a fresh eggs carton. If we were going the other way we would have taken it along. The rest of the cave was pristine.

A little while ago myself and another guy tried to find a way around Bugger Gulley to the right, (away from Cathedral peak). Not successful. We had to turn back, some steep gulleys in the way. Anybody tried this.

do you mean like this?

Hi there 

I am planning on doing the Bell Traverse at the end of this month. 

Is it realistic to expect to be able to go up Organ pipes pass from Cathedral Peak Hotel in one day and then complete the bell traverse back down over a total of three days. Day 1: We are planning to go up Organ Pipe's Pass and sleep in Roland's Cave or somewhere near Roland's Cave on the escarpment. Day 2: Walk north along the escarpment and either sleep near the start of the Bell traverse on the Escarpment or Twin's Cave. Day 3: Go back down to Cathedral Peak along the Bell Traverse.

Does this seem reasonable? Will we manage the way back down in one day?

To try to add context to this: If you are very fit (able to run a marathon in under 4 hours), this can all be done in a day. If you have basic fitness (able to run 10km in 75minutes) you will cope with your schedule reasonably well. If you are sedentary and can complete 10 kms in 90 minutes to 2 hours you will need an extra day or two.

Welcome on VE GPowell!

As the guys indicated above, it's all a matter of fitness and strength. The fitter and stronger you are, the easier this route will be. That being said, my views are as folows: It's entirely doable over 3 days if you are moderately fit. Your day 1 will be the hardest, Day 2 is a breeze, and day 3 not hard but long. I suggest an early start for day 1 and 3.

Thank you for all your responses guys. This puts my mind at ease.

I am very fit as a mountain ultra runner so I am not concerned about myself, but it's the rest of the group I am thinking of. I just wanted to make sure day 3 wasn't too intense.  From what I've been reading, people seem to generally do similar routes over four days.

Cheers